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Daily Reflections

Daily Scripture, July 1, 2025

Scripture:

Genesis 19:15-29
Matthew 8:23-27

Reflection:

Today’s first reading is one of the most dramatic examples of God’s mercy in the Old Testament. The story begins earlier in Genesis with God telling Abraham that Sodom and its people will be destroyed due to their sinful ways. Abraham negotiates with God to save the city if 50 good people can be found. Abraham keeps lowering the bar but not even 10 good people can be found. Finally, God agrees to save Lot and his family from the destruction. The story catches up in today’s reading with two angels telling Lot to leave Sodom before it is destroyed. When Lot keeps delaying, the angels physically lead the family to safety.

In this story we encounter a listening, forgiving God. In other words, a merciful God for our times, too. Unlike human mercy, which can be limited and conditional, God’s mercy is unlimited and unconditional, not earned by us but freely given to us.

God patiently listened to Abraham and spared Lot and his family. When family or friends suffer illnesses, tragedies or personal loss, we respond that they are in our prayers. Do we also pray to God to intercede on behalf of victims of war, poverty, discrimination, and mental health crises? Do we have faith that God will listen to our prayers?

When God first tells Abraham that Sodom will be destroyed, no exception was made for Lot. We can speculate that Lot most likely delayed leaving Sodom because he was comfortable there despite the depravity of the city. Despite Lot’s actions, God forgave him. Whether we have minor stumbles or serious failings, God’s mercy is waiting for us, too. Do we respond to this gift by working to do better?

We are called to imitate God’s mercy in our own lives and challenged to be more forgiving, compassionate and loving towards others. By doing so, we not only honor God but also contribute to a more just and humane world.

Mike Owens is the coordinator of the Passionist Alumni Association and a member of the Migration Commission of Holy Cross Province. He lives in Louisville, Kentucky. 

Daily Scripture, August 25, 2024

Scripture: Joshua 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18bEphesians 5:21-32 or 5:2a, 25-32John 6:60-69 Reflection: Our Gospel reading for Sunday (John 6:60-69) marks the end of the Bread of Life Discourse which we have » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, August 24, 2024

Scripture: Revelation 21:9b-14John 1:45-51 Reflection: Come to Me In most Eucharist liturgies a Psalm is presented to us as response to the Scriptural readings.  In the feast of the apostle » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, August 23, 2024

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14Matthew 22:34-40 Reflection: In our first reading we have a dramatic account of the prophet Ezekiel being led “in the spirit of the Lord,” in the “center of » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, August 22, 2024

Scripture: Ezekiel 36:23-28Matthew 22:1-14 Reflection: Behind the dramatic scenes of today’s gospel story, there are indeed lessons for us. Buts first let us rid ourselves of the distracting events of » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, August 21, 2024

Scripture: Ezekiel 34:1-11Matthew 20:1-16 Reflection: How do we use our power and authority in relation to others? Do we use them to care for and help others? To offer comfort, » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, August 20, 2024

Feast of St. Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church Scripture: Ezekiel 28:1-10Matthew 19:23-30 Reflection: Among the many gifts that I’ve cherished over the years, are stories of the truly » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, August 19, 2024

Scripture: Ezekiel 24:15-24Matthew 19:16-22 Reflection: Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, August 18, 2024

Scripture: Proverbs 9:1-6Ephesians 5:15-20John 6:51-58 Reflection: “The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”John 6:52 The readings for today’s Mass invite us » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, August 17, 2024

Scriptures: Ezekiel 18:1-10, 13b, 30-32Matthew 19:13-15 Reflection: What we do with our lives really does matter. How we live each day truly is of ultimate significance, because the cumulative effect » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, August 16, 2024

Scripture: Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60, 63Matthew 19:3-12 Reflection: The beautiful words of God’s care and love reverberate in these passages. We can even hearken back to Hosea 11 and Jeremiah 29 » Continue Reading.

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